In a country like the Philippines where utmost importance is placed on education, the choice of a student’s university or college of higher learning is a crucial decision for both student and parents. Aside from quality of the programs and cost of schooling, other factors to consider are the location and safety of the school campus, and the opportunities for social networking, or practical work experience through reputable school organizations. It cannot be denied that in a professional environment where there is great competition for choice positions, the right school may well be the deciding factor for clinching a sought-after job. And undoubtedly, the graduate with educational competencies that qualify him for employment in the international marketplace has a distinct advantage in a global world such as what currently exists.
Fortunately, apart from what is available locally, more opportunities for an international education are available today. Aside from more educational institutions to choose from abroad, the fees charged at many of these are more competitive or affordable than what most people think. And indeed, the option of overseas study bears closer scrutiny.
The “Global Education Alternatives Fair: A Commonwealth of Choices” is an education exhibition that opens up the possibility of studying abroad. To be held at the City Sports Club Cebu on Nov. 20 and Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila from Nov. 21-22, it is organized by the Commonwealth Education Group (CEG), a consortium of educational agencies.
The fair brings students a wealth of choices by showcasing educational opportunities from 20 to 25 universities and institutions in the Commonwealth countries — Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Highlights will include seminars about education in the member countries and an exclusive networking reception among heads of local education institutions and their international counterparts.
We asked panelists at a recent forum held by CEG, “What are the strengths of a Commonwealth education?” It was explained that while the British education system combines the elements of tradition and modernity, an education in Australia offers students a learning style that encourages innovative, creative and independent thinking. On the other hand, the demand for Canadian and New Zealand education continues to grow because of competitive tuition fees, quality of education and availability of migration opportunities.
“Tourism has been surpassed by international education as the largest service export industry in the country,” says Andrew King of IDP Education Pty Ltd., an Australian company and a global leader in international student recruitment and testing. “People young and old are choosing Australia as their study destination, enjoying the multicultural atmosphere and the clean and safe environment.”
Ramoncito Bernales, trade commissioner of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise confirms that while the safety issue is a major factor for parents sending off their children to school abroad, prevailing conditions in New Zealand should allay those fears. “New Zealand offers a perfect combination of high quality schools teaching a wide range of subjects, a welcoming culture where everyone feels safe and comfortable, and a spectacular country to explore on weekends and during holidays,” he says. New Zealand is also a part of the Lisbon Convention of Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education so that a New Zealand qualification is recognized in over 50 countries.
On the other hand, prominent Filipino alumni of British colleges and universities who are highly regarded in their respective fields manifest the excellence of British education. William Gancia of the British Council reveals that currently, more than 1,900 Filipino students are acquiring an international education throughout the British Isles. This is a considerable growth rate, considering that there were only 300 Filipinos studying in the United Kingdom in 1996.
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“The Global Education Alternatives Fair: A Commonwealth of Choices” will be held in Cebu at the City Sports Club on Nov. 20; and in Manila at the Dusit Thani Hotel on Nov. 21 to 22. For inquiries call the British Council at 914-1011; IDP Pty Ltd at 816-0755; Canadian Trade Commissioner Service at 835-9137; or New Zealand Trade and Enterprise at 891-4626. Or visit www.globaleducation.org.ph to register online. Entrance is free.